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MY ATHENS, Savvas Laz
Greek Artist Savvas Laz shares his personal guide to Athens, favourite art spaces, where to eat and more.
Savvas Laz is a Greek artist living and working in Neos Kosmos, Athens. His work spans from sculptures to interior architecture and design, mixing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary ideas drawing inspiration from Greek history and culture.
Above, Savvas Laz at his studio in Neos Kosmos, Athens. Above left & below, two of Savvas Laz’s famous Transformer sculptures. All handmade and each piece a one off creation using non-biodegradable materials found around Athens.
Where to eat?
Atlantikos Restaurant (below right) in Psiri is my go-to, I enjoy some tsipouro and mezes. My favorite dish and a must try is the tuna souvlaki. Atlantikos has a lively atmosphere with a good balance of local and non-local people.
Where to drink?
Cantina Social (below) is always a good option for drinks downtown. You slide the door and enter a courtyard surrounded by Athenian buildings that reminds you of the old Athens. Enjoy local beers, Greek wine and cocktails while dancing to some great music sets by talented local DJ’s.
Favourite Art Spaces?
One of my favorites art spaces in Athens is Alkinois Project Space in the Petralona neighborhood run by Alix Janta. Alkinois presents a great mix of both Greek and international artist through various exhibitions and gatherings.
Space52 is a wonderful creative space in Athens located in the Patisia neighborhood. Founded by Dionysis Christofilogiannis, Space52 is an art space that offers a program of exhibitions, publications, film screenings, workshops, and residencies, with guest curators and both Greek and international contemporary artists.
A must visit art space is Melas Martinos located in a beautiful building originally designed by the famous Greek architect Takis Zenetos overlooking the Acropolis hill in Monastiraki square. Showcasing temporary exhibition by Greek and international artists.
Check instagram for current exhibitions @alkinois @space.52 @melasmartnos
Above left, Space52 and above right, Melas Martinos
Where I shop,
Hyper Hypo bookstore in the center of Athens, Monastiraki square is a must for anyone who is into art, culture and fashion. Run by Andreas and Stathis, you can find a great selection of limited edition and cult magazines and books. Hyper Hypo also has this great exhibition space in the basement where they often host talks, book presentations and small exhibitions.
Number 3 (below) in Kolonaki square, Athens is a really cool concept store. You can find a great selection of clothing, accessories and fragrances from various brands such as Commes des Garcon and Stussy, I also think it’s great that they sell artwork. You have to ring the bell first and go straight to the basement.
Neighbourhoods I like to explore,
The up and coming neighbourhood of Neos Kosmos has an interesting mix of the old and new with bars, cafes and artist studios standing next to old repair stations for cars and motorcycles. The neighbourhood is located right next to the Acropolis and offers an art alternative to the city of Athens with cultural centres such as Stegi of Onassis Foundation, EMST, as well as many independent art spaces.
Stegi of Onassis Foundation, below and EMST, right
When exploring Neos Kosmos, I highly recommend discovering some Greek flavours paired with Greek fine wines by making your way to local dining spots Fita, Epta Martyres and Annie. Every Saturday in Neos Kosmos there is a big street food market ‘Λαϊκή’ creating a chaotic yet beautiful atmosphere to the neighbourhood, it’s a great way to discover the true Athens.
Architecturally the area blends contemporary architecture designed for instance by Mario Botta with the great reference of Public Housing projects, a modernism treasure of the city of Athens which have been there for many decades. To me that mix of old and new gives the feeling of a village while still in the center of a big metropolis.
Epta Martyres, right
My favourite museum,
My favourite museum is the National Archeological Museum. The National Archaeological Museum in Athens houses some of the most important artifacts from a variety of archaeological locations around Greece dating back to 5000 B.C. It contains the richest collection of Greek Antiquity artefacts including the excellently preserved wall paintings of Thera.
National Archeological Museum, above top and above bottom
